Orthopedic Oncology
Sarcomas and other musculoskeletal tumors are rare growths affecting bone and soft tissue. They are challenging to diagnose and treat. But here, you’ll find hope for healing. Nationally recognized orthopedic oncologists use advanced techniques to remove tumors while optimizing limb function.
Why choose us for orthopedic oncology?
BJC HealthCare works with WashU Medicine physicians, BJC Medical Group, and providers across the region to deliver extraordinary care. You deserve a level of service that enables you to live with the best possible quality of life. And you’ll find it here. Our team includes nationally recognized musculoskeletal oncology specialists (orthopedic oncologists). We offer:
- Compassion: We recognize the questions that sarcomas and musculoskeletal tumors may raise about your future. Experts take time to provide answers in ways that are easy to understand. We review treatment options and help you make informed decisions so you can feel confident about next steps.
- Connected and comprehensive care: Orthopedic oncologists collaborate with other specialists to deliver seamless, personalized therapies. We manage all the details, including complex procedures requiring multiple surgeons, additional cancer treatments, and rehabilitation. Find out more about cancer care.
- Limb salvage surgery: We excel in techniques that remove tumors while preserving healthy tissue, so amputation is rarely necessary. This level of expertise is not widely available in the St. Louis area.
- Uncommon expertise: We have one of few programs in the region with orthopedic oncologists. They use research-based methods to treat musculoskeletal tumors anywhere in the body and maintain exceptional outcomes. We also deliver age-appropriate care to children and young adults.
Primary bone cancer: Newly diagnosed
Being told you have bone cancer (cancer that starts in the bones) can be scary, and you may have many questions. But you have people on your healthcare team to help.
Coping with fear
It’s normal to feel afraid. Learning about your cancer and about the treatment choices you have can make you feel less afraid. This also helps you work with your healthcare team and make the best choices for your treatment. You can also ask to speak with a counselor.
Working with your healthcare team
You will likely have different types of healthcare providers on your healthcare team. These might include:
- Orthopedic surgeon. This is a healthcare provider who treats diseases of the bones and joints with surgery.
- Orthopedic oncologist. This is an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in treating cancer of the bones and joints.
- Medical oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer with medicines, such as chemotherapy.
- Radiation oncologist. This is a healthcare provider who specializes in treating cancer with radiation.
Many other healthcare professionals will be part of your team as well. They will answer any questions you may have. They’ll help you through each of the steps you’ll take before, during, and after treatment. Your team will let you know what tests you need and the results of those tests. They’ll also help guide you in making treatment decisions and prepare you and your loved ones for what’s ahead.
Children with bone cancer should see healthcare providers who are experienced in treating children. This may mean going to a children’s hospital or to a pediatric part of a medical center. Teens may visit special adolescent cancer units. These units have healthcare providers who can diagnose and treat children and teens with cancer. They also have a team of people to help support children and teens. This team may include specialist healthcare providers and nurses. It may also include social workers, physical therapists, dietitians, education specialists, and psychologists.
Learning about treatment choices
To decide the best course of treatment for you, your healthcare team needs to know as much as they can about your cancer. You may need to get some tests and work with more than one healthcare provider. And you may decide that you want to get a second opinion to help you choose a treatment.
Getting support
Coping with cancer can be very stressful. Talk with your healthcare team about seeing a counselor. They can refer you to someone who can help. You can also join support groups to talk with other people coping with bone cancer. Ask your healthcare team about local or online support groups.
Primary bone cancer: Stages
What does stage of cancer mean?
The stage of a cancer is how much and how far the cancer has spread in your body. Your healthcare provider uses exams and imaging scans to find out the size of the cancer and where it is. They can also see if the cancer has grown into nearby tissues, and if it has spread to other parts of your body. The stage of a cancer is one of the most important things to know when deciding how to treat the cancer.
What are the stages of primary bone cancer?
For primary bone cancer (cancer that starts in the bones), the stage is based on where the cancer is in the body, the size of the tumor, and the grade of the cancer.
The grade of the cancer describes how quickly the cancer is likely to grow and spread. It's based on how much the cancer cells from a biopsy look like normal cells under the microscope. Primary bone cancer has three grades. Low-grade (grade 1) cancers look more like normal bone cells. These cancers are usually slow-growing and less likely to grow and spread. High-grade (grade 2 or 3) cancers look very abnormal. They are more likely to grow quickly and spread.
The stage of a bone cancer is based on the grade, the size of the main tumor, and if it has spread outside the bone. Most bone cancers are grouped into one of four stages. The stages can have a value of Roman numerals I, II, III, and IV (1 through 4). The higher the number, the more advanced your cancer is.
- Stage I. The cancer is only in the bone. But it may be in more than one place in the same bone. It's low-grade, or the grade hasn't been determined. (This may be written as grade X.)
- Stage II. The cancer is only in one place in one bone but it's high-grade.
- Stage III. The cancer is in more than one place in the same bone. It's only in the bone, and is high-grade.
- Stage IV. The cancer has spread outside the bone where it started to other bones or to the lungs, liver, or brain. It can be low- or high-grade.
Stage I and II cancers can be further divided (into A and B) based on the size of the tumor. Stage IV cancers can be further divided (into A and B) based on where the cancer has spread.
Talking with your healthcare provider
Once your cancer is staged, your healthcare provider will talk with you about what the stage means for you. Make sure to ask questions and talk about your concerns. Staging can be complex. Ask your provider to explain it in a way you understand.
Search for a specialist
Our highly trained team of specialists offers advanced treatments as well as compassionate, personalized care.
Orthopedic oncology testing and treatments
The best care comes from programs like ours that regularly diagnose and treat musculoskeletal tumors. Our expertise includes treating rare and complex tumors affecting children and adults. Non-surgical and surgical treatments and procedures include: